Shirley Temple Cake

Do you have a birthday party or baby shower coming up? Looking to serve something a little whimsical and nostalgic at the same time? Then look no further than this wonderful recipe based on one of our favorite treats from when we were kids: a Shirley Temple cake.

Yes! The much-beloved cherry-colored soda drink has been transformed into an amazingly pink, moist, and delicious cake! We all know that to make a Shirley Temple, we need maraschino cherries and lemon-lime soda. Cherries help with color and flavor while, at least in the cake version, the soda bubbles help to keep the cake moist and delicious. A slightly pink cake pops out of the oven and cools completely before we top it with a pretty pink frosting. To serve, we add a dollop of whipped cream and of course top it off with a maraschino cherry. What a delightfully fun spin on one of our favorite childhood drinks. We’d completely forgotten about this delicious non-alcoholic drink until we stumbled across this CAKE recipe and couldn’t believe how fun it sounded. A favorite soda drink turned into a fun cake sounds like the perfect treat for a baby shower or birthday party. It’s just the right amount of fun and nostalgia, served with a cherry on top!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shirley Temple Cake is a delightful blend of nostalgia and joy, perfect for any celebration. It’s not only deliciously moist and flavorful, but it also adds a whimsical touch to your dessert table. The combination of cherry and lemon-lime soda creates a unique taste that takes you back to the sweet memories of childhood.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cake tester or toothpick
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) box white cake mix
• 1 ¼ cup cherry flavored lemon-lime soda
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 4 egg whites
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ sticks cold butter, cubed
• Whipped cream and maraschino cherries for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, egg whites, and cherry lemon-lime soda. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
6. To make the frosting, mix powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Slowly add the cubed butter and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
7. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
8. To serve, add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice and top with a maraschino cherry.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• For a more intense cherry flavor, add a few chopped maraschino cherries to the batter.
• Use cold butter for the frosting to achieve a fluffy texture.

Additional Tips and Variations

Consider adding a splash of grenadine to the frosting for an extra pop of color. If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangy twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 350, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 52g, Protein: 3g, Sugar: 40g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use a different type of soda? Yes, you can experiment with different flavored sodas, but the cherry lemon-lime combination is what gives it the classic Shirley Temple taste.
• Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! You can make the cake a day ahead and frost it the day of your event.
• Is there a substitute for maraschino cherry juice? You can use grenadine or cherry syrup as an alternative to maraschino cherry juice.

Conclusion

This Shirley Temple Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the sweet nostalgia of a beloved childhood drink and the joy of a beautifully frosted cake. Perfect for parties or a fun family dessert, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. We invite you to try this recipe and share your delightful creations and experiences with us!